Chondropetalum elephantinum
Large Cape Rush
A magnificent, architectural reed-like restio that forms substantial upright clumps of dark green unbranched stems banded with dark brown sheaths.
 Height | 4–6ft |
|---|---|
 Width | 4–6ft |
 Tolerates | Coast, Deer, Drought, Moist Soil, Pots, Salt, Wind |
 Water needs | Low – Moderate |
Remarkably adaptable. Once established it can thrive on very little summer water, but it also happily takes regular irrigation or boggy conditions at the edge of a pond. | |
 Hardy to | 20°F |
 Exposure | Part Sun – Full Sun |
 Plant traits | Grassy, Hedge, Mounding, Screen, Sculptural |
 Indoor / outdoor | Outdoor |
 Drainage | In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Heavy Soil, Tolerates Sandy Soil |
 Fertilizing | Low Needs |
 Origin | South Africa |
 California native | No |
 Sunset zones | 8, 9, 14–24 |
Growing Notes
Plant in full sun to light shade in almost any soil, from heavy soil to pure sand. Give it plenty of room to expand horizontally over time.
Avoid shearing straight across the top, which ruins the elegant silhouette. If stems age or brown, cut individual older stems right down to the ground at the crown, or renew an old clump by cutting it completely back in late winter to let fresh culms emerge.
Special Interest
Native to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, where restios fill the ecological niche occupied by grasses and rushes elsewhere. Reclassified by botanists into the genus Elegia, though it remains widely sold under Chondropetalum.
The above information reflects the observations of Grubb and Nadler and our extended plant community. We always consider input from fellow horticulturists and welcome feedback from those with additional information on the culture of this plant.
© 2020–2026 Grubb and Nadler. All rights reserved.